What does Fritt Ord Fund?

Fritt Ord awards support for projects that help promote freedom of expression, public discourse, art and culture. The measures supported should contribute to the common good and be available to the public.

See below for a list of what types of projects are funded. In all genres, projects will be assessed on the basis of quality, originality, relevance, thoroughness and ability to communicate. Special requirements apply for some types of projects. Read more about what we are looking for under each project category.

Fritt Ord mainly funds projects in Norway (or with ties to Norway). Under certain circumstances, however, the Foundation can help promote freedom of expression in other countries. While Fritt Ord can provide support multi-year projects, it ordinarily awards funding for just one year at a time.

Please peruse the list of our grants to gain an understanding of the Foundation’s grants profile and the amounts granted previously.

Fritt Ord supports a number of seminars, conferences, festivals, film screenings and other types of events.

Application requirements

Project description

A clear, concise description of the project. Account for when and where the planned event (or events) will take place. Make the description as specific as possible. Which topics/issues will the event address? Why is this important? Have you have organised events like this before? Include a programme that is as detailed as possible, preferably with the names of speakers/panellists. Describe, if possible, the target group for the event, and specify the partners, if any.

A budget and a funding plan

A list of project costs, self-financing, the project’s anticipated revenues, other support that has been pledged, and other applications that are still pending. A budget should be as specific as possible. In the application form, you must specify both the project’s total budget and the amount specified in the application to Fritt Ord. The Foundation does not usually fully finance projects, and an application will have a better chance if it refers to self-funding and/or funds from other sources of support or partners.

CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a résumé containing concise information about the qualifications of an individual or group involved in the project. Where several people are involved, CVs should be collected in one single file.

Other

If you are granted support for an event, you will usually have to submit the final programme before the funding can be paid out. You will find information about this in the letter of commitment.

Fritt Ord does not support in-house or closed events and courses. Events that charge a high admission fee only receive support in exceptional cases.

It is possible to apply for support for manuscript development, translation and printing/production. These three types of support are not mutually exclusive. Fritt Ord primarily supports non-fiction publications, and usually rejects applications for support for novels, self-help books, reports and publications related to specific campaigns. Fritt Ord generally does not support books in languages other than Norwegian.

Applications for support for manuscript development are normally submitted by the writers themselves, while applications for printing support/production usually come from the publisher. An application for support for manuscript development should include a letter of intent with a publishing house that guarantees editorial assistance and a distribution agreement. Fritt Ord does not customarily support self-published books.

Application requirements

Project description

Attach a clear, concise description of the book project. What is the subject matter of the book, and how is it relevant in the light of Fritt Ord’s objectives? What literature already exists in this field? Who is the target group for this book? Attach a concrete description of the contents, explaining how the book is structured. A tentative list of the chapters, an outline or a table of contents must be included. It is also possible to attach a short excerpt from the manuscript.

A budget and a funding plan

In connection with applications for support for manuscript development, we would like a budget indicating how long the actual writing will take (preferably stated as a number of man-months of labour), information about lost wages during this period, and other any expenses. Fritt Ord does not have its own rates for writing, but loosely relies on NFFO’s schedule of rates per man-month of labour.

In connection with applications for printing support, we would like an estimate or list showing the project’s expenses, self-funding and the project’s anticipated income, including any other support.

CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a résumé containing concise information about the qualifications of an individual or group involved in the project. Where several people are involved, CVs should be collected in one single file.

Other

It is possible to attach excerpts of the manuscript (limited to 1-2 chapters). It is also possible to attach statements of support.

When the project results in publication, the book’s colophon credits page – or the like in other types of publications – shall state that the author has received support from the Fritt Ord Foundation.

It is possible to apply to Fritt Ord for support inter alia for article production, journals, blogs, podcasts, radio productions, reporting excursions and TV productions. This type of projects sorts under the Fritt Ord Foundation’s own programme: “Norwegian Journalism”. The funding for journalism has its own deadlines for applications.

Fritt Ord also has earmarked grants for critics. Different requirements apply to these applications. Read more here
http://frittord.no/en/prosjekter/medier-og-journalistikk/kritiekrstipend.

Application requirements

Project description

The programme targets no particular topic, but projects of great social significance will be given priority. We aspire to the highest possible degree to support work on content to be published, while providing less support for operating expenses, technical development projects and the acquisition of equipment.

We ask that applicants submit a 3-5 page project outline that is as specific as possible. What is the focal point of the project, and why is this important? What has been produced about this topic previously? How will you proceed? Specify how many articles or episodes you are planning to produce. The project outline must contain a schedule and a detailed description of the contents (e.g. a list of articles or a publication schedule).

In the project description, you also need to specify key figures for your publication, or the publication with which you have an agreement, if you are a freelancer. How many readers/listeners do you have, and how often is the publication published? The scheme gives priority to the daily and weekly press and to cultural publications in general. Membership publications and professional journals usually do not qualify for the scheme, and trade journals and trade magazines are only supported in exceptional circumstances.

Podcasts with publication agreements with established media will have a stronger position than podcasts merely released on iTunes, Spotify or similar platforms. If you have no agreement for co-publication, you should attach a good thoroughly drafted plan for promotion and distribution.

A budget and a funding plan

On the application form, you must specify both the project’s total budget and the amount being applied for from Fritt Ord. The Foundation does not usually fully finance projects, and it will strengthen an application if it includes self-funding and/or funds from other sources of support or partners. The budget should contain an overview of the project’s expenses. Care should also be taken to render your own efforts visible. If the expenses include buying the time of co-workers and hiring substitutes, this should be specified.

CV

Grants under the scheme “Norwegian Journalism” are to be awarded to named writers. Attach a list of writers and project team members, dedicating five lines to the qualifications of each.

Other

If you apply as a freelancer, please attach a brief confirmation of your publishing agreement and level of remuneration from the editorial board(s) that will be publishing the project. Please note that grants are intended to supplement fees, and the fact that you receive funds from Fritt Ord cannot be used to reduce the level of the fee you receive.

When the project is published, it should state that it has received support from Fritt Ord.

It is possible to apply to Fritt Ord for funding for the development and production of documentary films. It is also possible to apply for funding for promotional activities. Fritt Ord only rarely funds fiction films.

Applications for funding for documentary films are usually submitted by the film producer. An application is in a less favourable position if it has no producer.

Foreign documentary films can usually a receive funding if they have a Norwegian co-producer. The application must be submitted by the Norwegian co-producer, with a clear explanation about which parts of the work are to be carried out in Norway.

Application requirements

Project description

A clear concise description of the film project is required. What will be the focal point of the film, and why is this important? Who is the target group for the film? The application must include a concrete description of the contents and a good explanation of how the film is structured, stating its basic thesis. Include some paragraphs about ethical considerations, if relevant.

It is possible to provide a link to a trailer or the like. Please note that there is a limit on the size of the project description file, meaning that it is not possible to include many high-resolution images.

A budget and a funding plan

The budget should include an estimate or overview specifying project costs, self-financing, the project’s anticipated revenues, other funding that has been pledged, and other applications that are still pending.

CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a résumé containing concise information about the qualifications of an individual or group involved in the project. Where several people are involved, CVs should be collected in one single file.

Other

An application for funding for a documentary film should also include an overview of envisaged channels of distribution. Attach any confirmations you might have from film festivals or TV channels.

Once the film is completed, the rolling film credits shall state that the project has been funded by the Fritt Ord Foundation.

It is possible to apply to Fritt Ord for funding for script development for theatre performances and the production of documentary films. In some cases, Fritt Ord also funds dance performances.
We have no tradition for funding concerts or projects based solely on music.

Application requirements

Project description

What will the focal point of the project be, and why is it important? Who is the target group for the play? The application must contain a concrete description of the contents and offer a good explanation of the design of the play. The project description should also include information about the time and venue for the planned performances and a list of partners, if any.

It is possible to provide a link to a trailer or the like. Please note that there is a limit on the size of the project description file, meaning that it is not possible to include many high-resolution images.

A budget and a funding plan

In the application form, you must specify both the project’s total budget and the amount being applied for from Fritt Ord. The Foundation does not usually fully finance projects, and it will strengthen an application if it includes self-funding and/or funds from other sources of funding or partners. The budget should include an estimate or overview specifying project costs, self-financing, the project’s anticipated revenues, other funding that has been pledged, and other applications that are still pending.

CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a résumé containing concise information about the qualifications of an individual or group involved in the project. Where several people are involved, CVs should be collected in one single file.

Other

Application requirements

Project description

The project description should contain an explanation of the theme of the project. Why is it important and interesting? What has been done in this field previously? How do you plan to proceed? Explain the project’s design. Include information about an exhibition venue/publisher and partners, if any. Include some paragraphs about ethical considerations, if relevant.

A budget and a funding plan

In the application form, you must specify both the project’s total budget and the amount being applied for from Fritt Ord. The Foundation does not usually fully finance projects, and it will strengthen an application if it includes self-funding and/or funds from other sources of funding or partners. The budget should include an estimate or overview specifying project costs, self-financing, the project’s anticipated revenues, other funding that has been pledged, and other applications that are still pending.

CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a résumé containing concise information about the qualifications of an individual or group involved in the project. Where several people are involved, CVs should be collected in one single file.

Other

To be granted funding, photo-book projects should attach a publisher’s agreement, photojournalism projects should attach a publication agreement, and photo exhibition projects should attach an agreement with a venue.

It is possible to apply to Fritt Ord for funding for podcast productions. We give priority to documentary podcasts and current events podcasts with well-defined themes – Fritt Ord does not fund fiction podcasts.

If you are a journalist or are planning to release a podcast in collaboration with media under the control of an editor, the project may qualify for the programme “Norwegian Journalism”. This programme has its own deadlines and requirements – read more here.

Application requirements

Project description

We ask that applicants submit a project outline that is as specific as possible. What will be the focal point of the project, and why is it important? What has been produced about this topic previously? How will you proceed, and how will the podcast be structured? Specify how many episodes you are planning to produce. The project outline must include a schedule and a detailed description of the contents (e.g. a list of episodes or a publication plan), even if you plan to make a current events podcast. Include the names of the guests that you plan to invite, if any.

We aspire to the highest possible degree to fund work on content to be published, while providing less funding for operating expenses, technical development projects and the acquisition of equipment.

A budget and a funding plan

In the application form, you must specify both the project’s total budget and the amount being applied for from Fritt Ord. The Foundation does not usually fully finance projects, and it will strengthen an application if it includes self-funding and/or funds from other sources of funding or partners. The budget should contain a list of the project’s expenses. Care should also be taken to render your own efforts visible.

CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a résumé containing concise information about the qualifications of an individual or group involved in the project. Where several people are involved, CVs should be collected in one single file.

Other

Podcast projects with publication agreements and production companies will be more likely to receive funding than podcasts made solely for direct release on iTunes, Spotify or similar platforms. If you have no agreement for co-publication, you should attach a good, thoroughly drafted plan for promotion and distribution.

It is possible to apply to Fritt Ord for funding for the production of art projects, art films, exhibitions and catalogues.

Application requirements

Project description

The project description should contain an explanation of the theme of the project. Why is this important and interesting? How do you plan to proceed? Explain the project’s design. Include information about an exhibition venue/publisher and partners, if any.

A budget and a funding plan

In the application form, you must specify both the project’s total budget and the amount being applied for from Fritt Ord. The Foundation does not usually fully finance projects, and it will strengthen an application if it includes self-funding and/or funds from other sources of funding or partners. The budget should include an estimate or overview specifying project costs, self-financing, the project’s anticipated revenues, other funding that has been pledged, and other applications that are still pending.

CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a résumé containing concise information about the qualifications of an individual or group involved in the project. Where several people are involved, CVs should be collected in one single file.

Other

Applicants will be in a stronger position if it has been determined how the art project will be shared with the public. Please attach an agreement with an exhibition venue or the like.

Fritt Ord mainly funds projects in Norway (or with clear ties to Norway). In special cases, Fritt Ord may help promote freedom of expression in other countries. This funding constitutes a fairly small part of the Foundation’s total, annual allocations. We give priority to international organisations that work to promote freedom of expression, freedom of the press and journalism.

If you are uncertain about whether your project can qualify for funding, we recommend that you contact the Foundation directly before submitting an application.

Fritt Ord has an annual call for applications from libraries for earmarked funding for the promotion of literature in Norwegian public libraries. Follow this link to read more about the programme, which has a new theme each year.

Additionally, it is also possible for libraries to apply for funding for projects and events that do not focus on the current theme of the annual programme. Please refer to the section on “Events”.

Fritt Ord rarely funds research projects or academic reports. On the other hand, we may be interested in funding projects intended to result in nonfiction books or journalism. Read more about these project types above.